PM Hasina for stricter law to prevent rape

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has emphasized enacting stricter laws to prevent rape, as well as enforcing stringent punishment for the perpetrators, saying such a heinous crime can never be acceptable.

“It is necessary to frame more strict laws against rape and give stringent punishment for it… such a heinous crime is never acceptable,” she said while delivering her closing speech for the third session (budget session) of parliament on Thursday, BSS reported.

Speaker of the House Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury chaired the session.

The prime minister also issued a strong warning against the perpetrators, saying the government would take necessary measures in this regard.

“We will take necessary measures against those who commit such a crime,” she added.

The prime minister also urged media outlets to keep exposing the rapists to the country.

“I urge those involved in print and electronic media to show the pictures of the rapists time and again so they[the rapists] feel shame for committing this crime,” she said.

The premier also called upon men to be vocal against such crimes along with women.

“Why are only the females protesting against rape? The matter is also shameful for the men, as members of their community are committing such a crime. They [the men] will have to be more vocal against it,” she added.

Earlier this month, a report by Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF) said concurrent rapes against minors have doubled in the second quarter of 2019, with 332 incidents reported between April and June.

At least 496 children were raped in the first six months of the year, with a minimum of 82 victims per month, the report says.

The forum collected the data by analyzing news articles published between January and June in 15 national dailies.